Terminator feels honoured
DISABLED footballer Kudakwashe “Terminator” Mapira feels honoured to be appointed one of three global ambassadors of Para football.
Para Football is an organisation founded last year to promote football among disabled athletes.
Mapira (30) was appointed an ambassador along with two footballers Alex Sanchez who plays for Real Zaragoza in Spain and female player Eunate Arrazia of Athletic Club.
“It’s an honour to be appointed one of the global ambassadors of Para football.
“I’m delighted because I have been working hard in football and being recognized internationally is my biggest achievement
“Life has not been easy for me to be where
I am today, I have worked hard to be where I am today, and I want to continue inspiring other people living with disabilities to believe in themselves.
“This opportunity I have been accorded by Para Football will help me a lot to network with people from different countries and help me grow as an athlete.”
Mapira added that he faced a lot of challenges and discrimination growing up and wants to use his ambassadorial role to change the perception on athletes with disabilities.
He also started a none profit programme under the name Terminator Mentality,
“It wasn’t easy growing up in an environment which is yet to fully understand that disability is not inability, I was discriminated. I lost many opportunities because people thought I can’t do it so I want it to be a different story to other disabled people out there. I believe through my role I can change the perception. In support of my vision I have started an initiative Terminator Mentality which focuses on motivating youth and fellow disabled athletes.”
Mapira became the first disabled footballer to represent Zimbabwe at the Homeless World Cup in 2018.
He was born without a left foot and knuckles on his left hand.